Post Grad

by Emily Cassel

What happens when your life doesn't go according to plan?

Ryden Malby had a plan. Step do well in high school, thereby achieving Step get a kick-butt college scholarship. Step Three – limit her beer pong in order to keep said scholarship – wasn't always easy. Now that she's finally graduated, it's time for Step moving to LA to land her dream job at the city's best publishing house. So far, Ryden's three-for-three, but she's about to stumble on Step Four….

When Jessica Bard, Ryden's college nemesis―the prettiest, smartest, most ambitious girl at school―steals her perfect job, Ryden's forced to move back to her childhood home in the Valley. Stuck with her eccentric family – a karate-obsessed dad, a politically incorrect grandma, a spoiled-brat little brother – and a growing stack of rejected job applications, Ryden starts to feel like she's going nowhere. The only upside is spending time with her best friend Adam―and running into her hot next-door neighbor David. But if Ryden's going to survive life as a post-grad, it may be time to come up with a new plan…

P ost Grad was made into a 2009 motion picture, starring Alexis Bledel, Zach Gilford, Carol Burnett, and Michael Keaton

Genres: Chick Lit, Fiction, Romance, Young Adult, Contemporary, Audiobook

256 pages, Paperback

First published June 9, 2009

Reviews

[Kristy 施玮 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Final Thought: This book is filled with meaningless conversations, two-dimensional characters, an annoying protagonist and jejune writing. The plot is extremely predictable and romantic partners are practically based on insta-love. It has barely anything to do with post-grad. It's time to throw this book out of the window.

*FACEPALM* What have I just read? I really didn't want to finish this book, but I needed to know if it gets worse. It did. I finished reading it so I can write a lengthy review and hopefully warn others not to make the same mistake as me. If you do want to read it, here is one piece of advice: Read it as if everything is supposed to be a joke. That way you might not suffer as badly I did.

Throughout this book, I only felt frustration and anger. The idea of "life doesn't go according to plan" seemed interesting, but I quickly discovered Ryden's way of handling unemployment is childish and immature. Isn't this novel supposed to be about self-discovery after graduation? Whilst the theme appeals to me, the plot failed to deliver (due to many issues) and I cannot relate to Ryden or any of the characters in this book. To me, this book is full of Ryden's complaints and a tonne of meaningless conversations and A LOT OF BAD DECISIONS. The plot truly and only begins when I only have 20 pages to go. 80% of this novel is about family dilemmas, not about post-graduation.

POOR RELATIONSHIP DEVELOPMENT
If you witnessed your BBF arguing with his drunk father, would you have a conversation with him afterwards? Of course, you would! Well, not Ryden. This would have provided readers with an insight into Adam & Ryden's BFF friendship and feel relatable. But instead, the chapter ended straight after the argument and a new chapter begins with Ryden moving back home. So saying they are BFF since childhood just doesn't convince me.

MEANINGLESS CONVERSATIONS AND BORING PLOT
Conversations are supposed to build relationships and move the plot along. But throughout this book, many conversations are so pointless. In fact, a majority of the conversations revolve around Ryden being a melodramatic and pessimistic graduate who hates the world. No appreciation, just constant complaints and frustrations about being unemployed.

Adam and Ryden love playing "This or That" since childhood. But this game gets in the way and interrupts the pace of the novel. Plus, what is the point? Adam would ask Ryden which she prefers: snake or tarantula. (pg. 74-75) This conversation occurs while Ryden is sorting out her resume and panicking if she has accidentally faxed a Domino menu to one of the publishing firms. But Adam, as Ryden's best friend since childhood, DIDN'T show any sign of concern at all. Instead, Adam completely IGNORES Ryden and continues on with his snake or tarantula conversation. WHY? HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE? I was fuming by this point! What is the point of this conversation? Does it help with character or relationship development? NOPE! Not when you do it so many times throughout the book. Does it help with the plot? NOPE!

RYDEN DOESN'T CARE ABOUT GETTING A JOB
Ryden is an English major graduate (second in her class) and supposedly is a smart girl in the novel. But across all the nine interviews she seems to have no idea why she wants to join those firms. Any slow-witted person knows the number one task to do before an interview is to do extensive research on the firm. Instead, she has one standardised answer for various questions asked of her across all nine interviews. It seems like she doesn't care about the jobs she applies for and I would really like to knock some sense into her.

"I lost my job peddling luggage". (pg. 148) Okay for the record, she didn't lose her job. Instead, this happened. "I ripped off my horrible itchy hat and threw it on the floor, and then I flung off my polyester jacket, too. "Dad," I hollered. "You've got a customer!" And then I stormed out of Luggage World. (pg. 111)

Also, the title of this book and the blurb about coming up with a "new plan" are both traps. There is no plan. Everything she gets throughout the book is handed to her without effort (i.e. her job at Luggage World because of her dad and her job as a PA because of David the next door neighbour). Yes, I understand many people nowadays get a job through their network. But how the employment opportunities are introduced in this book have made me believe Ryden is a spoiled brat.

Ryden's Relationship with Jessica Bard
I know Ryden doesn't like Jessica. But the reason why she doesn't like her is so superficial. It's one of the most annoying things I don't like about Ryden. Jessica is a perfectionist, whom I think, is a portrayal of Hermoine from Harry Potter. Perfect grades. Top of the class. Valedictorian. Great fashion sense. However, Ryden thinks she is arrogant. But in my opinion, Jessica isn't arrogant enough to be an antagonist that I truly despise. In fact, Ryden appears to be jealous of Jessica's achievements and how she excels at everything compares to Ryden. I personally like Jessica a hundred times more than I like Ryden.

"As I rode the elevator down the lobby I crossed my fingers and wished for an entire stack of manuscripts to fall crashing down onto her head." (pg. 41) This is Ryden's thought at the start of the novel when Ryden realises Jessica is attending the same interview as she is. From a reader's viewpoint, Jessica hasn't come across as a mean person (yet). But all the sudden Ryden is making evil wishes which I don't agree with. It makes me think Ryden is evil.

PROTAGONIST PERSONALITY & DEVELOPMENT ARE HORRENDOUS
I love it when my protagonist is smart, can handle herself and doesn't need anyone to tell her what to do. She seems demeaning and loves to criticise people which makes the writing jejune and difficult to read. Ryden frustrates me as she has no sense of gratitude or appreciation for her family (a majority of the time). Although as I progress through the book I realised the family gets crazier and wilder (in terms of weird hobbies and personalities) but they aren't harmful! But her constant criticisms on her family members' decisions and behaviours give me a headache. Because this is supposed to be about post-graduation, not about family dilemmas! Some reviewers find it funny, but I grew up in an Asian culture where respect and forgiveness run in the family. Besides, this is not supposed to be a humorous novel!

Here is an example of when Ryden criticises others.
"Who were these people, and why were we supposed to care what they were doing with their lives? That's what I wanted to know." (pg. 124)

Ryden is also needy and demanding which doesn't help.
"Because if you're too busy to cheer me up now I can call back later." I said this, but I didn't mean it. I wanted him to cheer me up now." (pg. 65)
Honestly, what do you mean you don't mean it but you still mean it? Stop contradicting yourself and stop expecting you will get everything you want whenever you want it. The protagonist sounds like a whiny child demanding attention from her parents.

Ryden also loves to engage in self-loathing. Yes, it is a very real challenge faced by every graduate who is unemployed. We also hate ourselves sometimes. But when the protagonist constantly downgrades herself with no sign of improvement on her thoughts, it annoys the SH*T out of me.

ROMANTIC PARTNER 1: DAVID THE NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOUR
This romantic relationship doesn't begin to develop until I'm about 70% done with this book (pg. 166). It's essentially an immature college graduate (22-year-old) hooking up with a 34-year-old Brazilian (also a father). Ryden's dad is spot on in calling his neighbour a potential "sex pervert" (pg. 153).

Ryden shows up at her neighbour door, barely knows the owner and wishes to score a date?! What on earth is going on? The neighbour's cat just passed away and she shows up with a bottle of wine supposedly apologising for killing the neighbour's cat, but she has an "ulterior motive" in which she hopes she could score a date with her neighbour? The neighbour then IGNORES the apology for his favourite dead cat and invites Ryden for a dinner? TELL ME, DOES THIS EVER HAPPEN IN REAL LIFE? WHY ARE THEY FLIRTING? If my cat died 5 minutes ago I would not have the heart fo flirt with its murderer. Mind you the next door neighbour has a 4-year-old daughter and is 12 years older than Ryden AND IS A COMPLETE STRANGER!!

"I saw him notice my legs under my sundress, and I stretched them somewhat ostentatiously." and there is this "David kept his gaze on my calves." (pg. 149) *FACEPALM* All this for a neighbour that could have been a serial killer. If I saw my stranger neighbour keeps staring at my legs, I would feel uncomfortable and would want to leave. But then again, I wouldn't walk into a stranger's house.

ROMANTIC PARTNER 2: ADAM THE BFF
Adam, who is supposedly in love with Ryden since forever, doesn't make any move on Ryden and their relationship essentially remains at friendship status for a majority of the book. There is no development at all! Ryden just suddenly realises she wants to kiss Adam and suddenly sees him in a different light. The ending is also very predictable.

Writing is horrible
There are times when characters A, B & C would be in the same room. But when A & C have a conversation, C would have no input at all and nowhere to be found. But then when A & B's conversation ends, C would suddenly appear out of the blue. Like what on earth is going on?

Most Relatable / Funny Quotes
"It's funny. It's like our parents want what's best for us, and we want what's best for them, and none of us can get our shit together." (pg. 82)

"Food is my only comfort these days." (pg. 115)

"...and it was a box from Domino's because that's how flat the poor thing [the cat] was." (pg. 140)

"As my dad began to shovel dirt on top of the box, he noticed a pizza coupon still affixed to it. He reached into the hole. "Twenty-five percent off! Gee, thanks Buster!" he said brightly, and tucked the coupon into his pocket. (pg. 141)

[Martyna · Rating 1 out of 5]

People like to make plans. They plan their career and their private life. They come up with names for their children five years before their birth and begin to organize a wedding ten years before it happens.

Ryden also had a plan. College, degree, dream job. Everything somehow worked out, but one day, and according to a known pattern, another beautiful girl, and as it turned out Ryden's biggest rival took her dream job in the publishing house. And the plan fell apart.

I'm going to cut to the chase - this book is not for me. It's a simple story of a girl who has big plans for the future, but is caught by an ugly reality. It lacks deeper thoughts and delving into the characters' psyche. It's dripping with naivety and incredible events. Written in a very weak, American style, for the undemanding reader.

[YA Reads Book Reviews · Rating 1 out of 5]

When Jessica Bard, Ryden’s college nemesis – the prettiest, smartest, most ambitious girl at school – steals her perfect job, Ryden’s forced to move back to her childhood home. Stuck with her eccentric family – a stubborn do-it-yourself dad, an overly thrifty mom, a politically incorrect grandma, a very odd little brother – and a growing stack of rejected job applications, Ryden starts to feel like she’s going nowhere. The only upside is spending time with her best friend, Adam – and running into her hot next-door neighbour, David. But if Ryden’s going to survive life as a post grad, it may be time to come up with a new plan…

Ryden Malby seems to be on the up. College scholarship, best friend that she has known forever, and promising prospects at top publishing firm Happerman and Browning. It’s The Plan after all. Moving away from home and an eccentric family that Ryden wishes she weren’t related too is all Ryden has ever wanted. It’s graduation day, and if she can get through the ceremony without some form of disaster, tomorrow will be the start of her new life.

And to being with, everything seems to be going great. Until Adam, her best friend who is driving her to look at the gorgeous loft apartment and to her interview crashes. From there everything seems to fall apart. Being beat out for the dream job but perfect, valedictorian college classmate Jessica, being denied the keys to the apartment, Ryden is forced back to the last place she ever wants to be – home.

Facing countless months of un-employment when she can’t even keep a job at her own father’s luggage store, Ryden feels that nothing will ever be right again. A small light in that future however is David – her older and hotter next-door neighbour. Scoring her a small job as an assistant on the set of the commercials that he directs, Ryden finally feels like she has some to talk to. That is, until she messes up again, angering Adam to the point that he decides to take the offer of a law course in New York. Completely on the opposite side of the continent to Ryden, and it seems no amount of apologies will get Adam to talk to Ryden.

In a world with plans go off track, Ryden must work out exactly what it is she wants, and what she is willing to give up to get it.

Post Grad by Emily Cassel is adapted from the screenplay of recent movie release of the same name, starring Alexis Bledel. I haven’t seen the movie from which the novel was adapted, but I have it on good authority that it was a fun, easy film to watch. Shame that the same can’t be said from the novel. I found the plot weak and that the characters lacked development over the course of the events. Nothing ever happened for a reason, things just happened. With an entirely predictable ending, there was nothing in this book that really got me caring about what actually happened to Ryden.

The most notable parts of the book were Ryden’s eccentric family. They at least, made it interesting to read – their bizarre and somewhat random acts breaking up the monotony of the rest of the plot.

To me, Post Grad was a concept that had a lot of potential, but was poorly executed in terms of plot and character development.

[Marjanne · Rating 1 out of 5]

When I picked this up I thought I was a book that a new movie was based on. On closer inspection I realized that it's a book based on a screenplay for the movie, so essentially it is the novelization of a chick-flick. Generally I enjoy chick-flicks, but I think this one would drive me crazy. The main character is the stereotypical girl from most chick-flicks, the story is extremely predictable, and mostly the story is just shallow. I think the only reason I finished it was because it was a quick read and didn't require much thinking. Ryden, the lead character, is just too whiney and self-centered. It kind of drove me crazy.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laugh-out-loud funny. I killed this one in a couple of hours and marked a few pages with quotes that were so darn funny that I wanted to write them down. Here's a fave. Ryden's little brother, Hunter, is an particularly "special" little guy and his mother tries to defend him:

As you can see, Hunter's no picnic. He's...different."

"'No shit, Sherlock," my grandma said, coming to sit beside me at the kitchen table. "I am completely aware of that. Did you know that yesterday at the beauty parlor, he gathered up all the hair clippings, brought them home, and put them in a cardboard box with a blanket and a bowl of milk?"

My mom sighed. "He really wants a rabbit. But I'm not convinced he's ready for the responsibility."

I'm sorry, but that's classic.

[Sierra · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't think I've ever hated a main character as much as I hated Ryden. She was the most annoying, self-consumed, and whiney character I've ever seen! I think the only reason I read this so fast was so that I wouldn't have to read her anymore 😂
That being said I did relate to the plot of this as someone who has also graduated from college and had a hard time finding a job!
But still. Super annoying. Haha

[Alicia 🌻 · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I could not connect with the characters. I thought it was all just unnecessary. I gave it an extra .5 for the ending.

[Dominika Baran · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very predictable plot, bunch of meaningless conversations between characters, but at least it reads easily. Not impressed unfortunately.

[marta szymańska · Rating 2 out of 5]

ksiazka o niczym, nudna bardzo

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary:

Post Grad opens up on the eve before Ryden Malby's college graduation, were Ryden and her best friend, Adam, are playing a typical game of "Who would you rather be?" Ryden is anything but nervous about her upcoming graduation, since she has an amazing, if she must say so herself, plan for the future:

First, do a great job in high school. Then, get a fantastic scholarship so she doesn't bankrupt her parents. Next, don't do anything appalling to loose said scholarship. Finally, graduate and get a sweet job at a publishing house in Los Angles. Happerman & Browining, to be exact.

Though, as the weeks go on, Ryden still doesn't have a job at Happerman & Browining, well make that at any publishing house. She looses her chance at having a cute little apartment. And last but not least, she has to move back in with her parents, the crazy people she's always tried to distance herself from. Leaving, Ryden to wonder, will life ever be the way she wanted it to be?

Review:

To be truthful, I wasn't expecting a whole lot from this novel. A sweet quick novel, yes, but not the addicting read that it turned out to be. It had me constantly flipping the pages, laughing at Malby's quirks and wondering what would happen next. The whole Malby family and Adam, of course, were a great set of well rounded characters. I especially liked Ryden because we are both similar in our overachieving ways. Though, the plot was predictable at times, it threw a few twists that I didn't see coming. Overall, Post Grad is a great read for the summer. I look forward to seeing the movie adaption of this, which comes out this summer, as well as reading more by Ms. Cassel.

Grade: B+

* Reviewed for Flamingnet

[Jennifer Wardrip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by LadyJay for TeensReadToo.com

Ryden Malby has just graduated from college. She has her whole life ahead of her, and she also has it completely planned out. Her English degree is going to help her land a fancy job at Happerman & Browning, a publishing house in L.A.

Of course, nothing seems to be working out according to plan. Ryden�s arch-nemesis, Jessica, steals her job right out from under her, she is forced to move back in with her wacky family, and she doesn�t know how to deal with her extremely attractive neighbor, David, who is twelve years her senior.

Through all of this, Ryden finds solace with her best friend, Adam. Adam is also facing some tough decisions; go to Columbia University and become a lawyer, or follow his dream of making music. Adam is also coming to terms with his feelings for Ryden, and she is unsure of how to move forward with their relationship.

Emily Cassel has written a fresh and funny novel about making it in the real world. Ryden and Adam are lovable characters, while Ryden�s dysfunctional, yet supportive family members are laugh-out-loud funny.

Since Cassel�s protagonist is a little older, high school students may not be able to relate to the problems she is facing. I think that seniors and college grads will love this novel. They will be able to identify and appreciate Ryden�s struggle to make it on her own.

Reviewed by: LadyJay
Also, be on the lookout for the movie version of POST GRAD. I�m sure it won�t disappoint!

[Larissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Its the most important moment in your life and your best friend is by your side. Unfortunately your family are creating an embarrassing sceptical of themselves, just at the moment you are taking the stage to accept your diploma. Why couldn't they have forgotten all about this and just stayed at home...?

When Ryden was very young she had come up with "the Plan". It was a simple plan, do well in high school, get collage scholarship, and try not to get too drunk too often. So far in her life everything had gone according to that plan. Until the moment she was about to complete step four, and get everything she thought she wanted.

The last and most important part of "the Plan" had been to land her dream job. Unfortunately for Ryden this was the one thing she had no control over. Interview after interview had been one disaster after another. Ryden now found herself broke, unemployed and moving back in with her family.

Post Grad is not just about what happens after collage but is about life, love and figuring out what it is that you really want. There are some very funny moments, as well as some very cringe-worthy moments, and overall it's not a bad book. However it is somewhat clichéd so expect your typical Hollywood ending.

[Michelle (MichelleBookAddict) · Rating 4 out of 5]

You can't plan your life. Life isn't a easy check list. It's complex and unpredictable. I figured this out after high shool and my life still isn't predictable. Ryden Malby sets a timetable list. 1. High school. 2. College Scholarship. 3. Limit on Beer consumption and keep scholarship. 4. Dream job in L.A. Happerman & Browning. I know right from the beginning that this wasn't going to work for her.

She graduates college but always 2nd place to her nemesis, Jessica Bard. She loses dream job to her nemesis. Now everyone knows that "you can't always get what you want," but Ryder doesn't have any backup strategies. None. So no surprises when she moves back with mom and pop (and Gran and weird younger bro).

The characters in this story are good. I felt like cheering "Go Malbys" with them. Their funny with some weird quirks. Best friend, Adam Davies, is a very loveable guy. He's a lot more grounded and realistic than Ryder is. Ryder comes off at first as a spoiled selfish girl. But thankfully she realizes her mistakes and fixes her selfish attitude.

This had a bit of predictable parts with some good twists. It was a funny and light romantic coming of age story. I saw the movie before I read this. I enjoyed both. They each had their own individual charm.

[Sascha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book made me feel better about my book reviews. Why? Because as I was reading, I couldn't help but think that this novel seemed like it was written just to be made into a movie. Yes, of course, I did notice that the cover sported an actress and that it was soon to be a movie, but that's not unusual if the book was a reprint and a movie tie-in.

It wasn't until I had a few chapters left that I noted: based on the screenplay. Ha!

The story of Ryden is cute and lightweight. It has an ensemble of wacky characters who behave in an off-beat manner and seem to have no deep emotions tied to their actions. If you're looking for a book to read while lazing on the beach and don't mind too much in-your-face-ness (think extreme movie cuteness and zaniness, not book level cute and zany) about it, this would suit. Just don't expect much more than that.

[Neko · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not a huge fan of books full of sap but this book is full of it. Everything! You know the sort..Everything is failing for someone- finding work, finding love, horrible family, best friend, snootie other friend,etc. Well this book has it all and it's certainly "made" to be a movie as well. You can easily picture this book becoming a movie...A teen chick-flick.

I'm going to go out on a climb and say the movie will probably be better than the book. I've not seen the movie so I can't say if this is true or not but it's just a hunch I have.

Thankfully this book isn't that long and it's an easy book to flip through because of it's pacing and it doesn't really dwindle anywhere.

Wouldn't reread this book ever again..haha

[Olivia Loving]

I picked up this book because Alexis Bledel was on the cover (Rory in my absolutely favorite [obsessed] TV show, Gilmore girls).



I now want to see the movie...the book went by REALLY quickly and was very entertaining (couldn't put it down), which is why I would recommend it to anyone.



Well, maybe not guys. It's definitely chick lit.



Another little ironic tidbit -- It was a good thing I read Madame Bovary right BEFORE reading this one, because in the last chapter or so of this book, the main character says something like, "And sometimes it's necessary to have sad endings - like how Emma in Madame Bovary never gets together with the doctor in the end."

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I laughed and laughed - quite surprisingly really since I thought I was getting the DVD with Rory Gilmore, not a book... but when the grandmother started walking around with her label maker, deciding who was going to get what when she died - I lost it. My grandmother did the same thing but with sticky notes.

I needed a laugh today. It's probably not as good as I think it is right now but it was just what the doctor ordered.

[Lindsay · Rating 3 out of 5]

A simple read about a girl who just graduated college and had a plan to get a job at a awesome publishing company and live in a wonderful apartment. Of course nothing goes as planned and she doesn't get the job or the apartment so she has to move back in with her family who are crazy. The ending was predictable, but a decent read. There was a movie made out of it, so I'm looking forward to watching that.

[Sophia · Rating 1 out of 5]

When I first picked up this Post Grad, I initially thought that this sounds like my story and I can totally relate, being a recent graduate who is underemployed!

This. book. is. horrible. The writing is repetitive, the character development is minimal (the majority of the characters are downright annoying), and the plot is terrible with a cop-out ending. If you're looking for an breezy read, please pick another book! There are better easy reads that are far more enjoyable.

[Christina Nichols · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay so this is probably one of the most simply written pieces oh chick-lit I've read, but I really did enjoy it. Emily Cassel is incredibly funny. Some parts of the book just put a hilarious image in your head. Basically, it's the whole best friends, is there somehing more plotline but I thought it was really cute.

[Deanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Post Grad has its funny moments, but it also has cheesy ones. When I read this book, I was, fortunately, in the mood for both. I recommend Post Grad to those who are looking for a quick, mood-lifting read. The book is not thought-provoking nor moving, but it will be entertaining to some, especially those who are soon-to-be college graduates.

[Steph · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not much of a fan of movie novelizations, and I haven't seen Post Grad the film. This book was funny and easy-to-read, and one I'd recommend if you're looking for a short, light read. It's a bit cliche, and lacking in character development (probably on account of how short it is, and the fact it's based off a movie), but I think teenage girls who aren't big readers will like it.

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very predictable and formulaic. I knew what was going to happen from page 1. That said it was cute. In reading other goodreads reviews it looks as if this was based off the screenplay as opposed to the screenplay being based off a novel. That's an interesting way to do it I suppose. I picked it up looking for a quick read that was fun and that's exactly what I got. Maybe a good summer beach read?

[Sarah Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty funny read and I want to check out the movie now. Though I would not recommend the novel to most of the 'young adults' of the YA fiction intended market. The main character is fresh out of college and along with that comes the responsibilities and mindsets of the college age-group.

[Devin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was ok. It had a few good messages and it was about a family you might see I the real world. The Malby'sare your typical family, not perfect at all which was refreshing. It wasn't a story that I couldn't put down though which is why I gave it the lower rating. Needed more character or story development in my opinion.

[Desirae · Rating 2 out of 5]

You would think, with Alexis Bledel on the cover, that this book would be charming, and quirky, and fun.

 

Nope.

This book never should have been written, let alone read. Stock characters. Stock storyline. Jokes that aren't funny.

[Darlene · Rating 1 out of 5]

I couldn't get into this one. I pushed through the audio book because the reader was great, but unfortunately I disliked the main character so much that the redemption towards the end was not enough to make up for all the "meh". I did enjoy everything about the best friend, but her whiny hatred for her family (who seemed completely unreal) was just too much.

[Kourtney · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just could not get into this book. Nothing exciting happened, the characters lacked a sense of being real and having any depth to them, and all in all it was very predictable. Usually the book is better than the movie, and if that is the case I will be skipping this movie!

[Sandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is maybe a two and a half star book. It made me laugh, but overall it was just a retelling of the movie. That's what I get for not noticing the book was based on the screen play, not the other way around.

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

To be honest I didn't finish this book. I had seen the movie and found that the first couple of chapters of this book were just boring. The writing wasn't great and I thought I would waste no more time with it!